Providing data service options in push-to-talk using voice recognition

ABSTRACT

Voice enabling mobile services leverage existing PTT infrastructure. Initiation of a service request and navigation through PTT service functions is accomplished by voice direction, rather than by reading choices and texting or clicking through options. A mobile phone includes a dedicated push-to-talk service button for generating a signal for initiating a voice enabled service session, a speaker and microphone for transducing sounds and electrical signals, a display for displaying visual information to a user, memory for storing data, a transceiver for receiving and transmitting data and a processor. The processor receives a signal generated by the PTT service button for initiating a voice enabled service session, communicates a prompt to a user to begin speaking, stores voice data from a user and transmits the stored voice data to a service server for transforming the voice data to a result satisfying the spoken voice service request.

BACKGROUND

Mobile value-added services (VAS) are services that are offered todifferentiate mobile phone manufacturers, cellular service providers andsoftware vendors. Often, such services are provided at a premium price.Mobile VAS include non-voice advanced messaging services such as shortmessaging service (SMS) and wireless data services based on wirelessdata bearer technologies, such as wireless local area network (WLAN),general purpose radio service (GPRS), wireless access protocol (WAP)with VAS applications including mobile gaming and global positioningservices (GPS).

Mobile VAS also includes voice-based services such as push-to-talk(PTT). Push-to-talk (PTT) is a method of conversing on half-duplexcommunication lines. To initiate PTT, a button is pressed to transmit onthe tuned frequency or channel. While the PTT button remains unpressed,any radio signals that are received on the selected channel are heardthrough the radio's speaker. If the radio supports full-duplexoperation, received, audio may be heard while the PTT button is pressed.PTT has been adopted by cell phone carriers as a way to instantaneouslysend transmissions to other users on the system, emulating walkie-talkiecommunications on a mobile phone network. However, current PTTtechnologies are used only for the wireless speech communicationscapability. The primary advantage to PTT is the low connectivity timesprovided by the PTT network.

The interface for providing input to the phone has undergone manychanges as mobile devices have become smarter and implement largerdisplay screens. Providing a user-friendly menu navigation will have asignificant impact on the user experience. Nevertheless, all input iscurrently handled by one or two fingers on the screen. Scroll wheels andQWERTY keyboards have been added to some devices to increase the ease ofdata entry and navigation. Recently, mobile devices have been releasedwith touch screens surfaces, wherein input and navigation are handled bytapping on icons of choice, flicking through a scrolling menu, typing onthe virtual keyboard, navigating through the playlist or initiatingphone calls from a contacts area.

While these advancements provide greater ease of navigation, such userinput requires a great deal of attention from the user. Recently,automobiles have been introduced with voice-enabled technology. Forexample, voice recognition navigation systems allow drivers to verballycommunicate with the navigation system while their hands and eyes stayfocused on the road. Drivers may simply press a “Talk” button and stateany number of pre-set phrases, such as ‘Find Nearest Hospital’ or ‘FindNearest Italian Restaurant. Nevertheless, the processing capability ofsuch systems are limited and services offered by voice recognitionsystems are limited to navigation services and simple commands, such asdirecting a music system to begin playing a particular song.

It is with respect to these and other considerations that the presentinvention has been made.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended asan aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Embodiments are described for providing options for data services usingpush-to-talk. Initiation of a service request and navigation through PTTservice functions is accomplished by voice direction, rather than byreading choices and texting or clicking through options. A mobile phoneincludes a dedicated push-to-talk service button for generating a signalfor initiating a voice enabled service session.

According to one embodiment, options for data services usingpush-to-talk (PTT) are provided. A signal for initiating a voice enabledservice session is received. A prompt is communicated to a user to beginspeaking to provide voice data for processing of a spoken voice servicerequest. Voice data from a user is recorded, wherein the voice dataincludes a spoken voice service request. The recorded voice data istransmitted to a service server for processing the voice data to satisfythe spoken voice service request.

The mobile devices may be provided with a dedicated push-to-talk servicebutton for generating a signal for initiating a voice enabled servicesession, a speaker and microphone for transducing sounds and electricalsignals, a display for displaying visual information to a user, memoryfor storing data, a transceiver for receiving and transmitting data anda processor, coupled to the PTT service button, display, memory andtransceiver, the processor being configured for receiving a signalgenerated by the PTT service button for initiating a voice enabledservice session, communicating a prompt to a user to begin speaking toprovide voice data for processing of a spoken voice service request,storing in memory voice data from a user comprising the spoken voiceservice request and transmitting the stored voice data to a serviceserver for transforming the voice data to a result satisfying the spokenvoice service request.

A system for providing voice enabled data services in a push-to-talk(PTT) network may include a PTT server and a service server. The PTTserver may be configured for receiving a signal from a mobile phonerequesting a session, for sending a signal to the mobile phoneindicating consent to the session for the mobile phone and for receivingvoice data from the mobile phone including a voice enabled servicerequest. The system further includes a service server coupled to the PTTserver. The service server is configured for transforming the voice datato text data, for processing the text data to identify service requestdata for satisfying the voice enabled service request and fortransmitting the identified service request data to the mobile phone.

These and other features and advantages will be apparent from a readingof the following detailed description and a review of the associateddrawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing generaldescription and the following detailed description are explanatory onlyand are not restrictive of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a voice enabling system for mobile devices accordingto an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a mobile device having a dedicated PTT service buttonaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a first example of a local search on a mobile deviceaccording to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates selection of search results and directions on amobile device having a dedicated PTT service button according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for providing options for data services usingpush-to-talk (PTT) according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process for providing options for dataservices in a push-to-talk (PTT) system according to an embodiment ofthe present invention; and

FIG. 7 illustrates an operating environment for embodiments of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to an embodiment of the present invention, voice enablingmobile services leverage existing PTT infrastructure and established PTTexperiences. Navigation through PTT service functions is accomplished byvoice direction, rather than by reading choices and texting or clickingthrough options. Also, by integrating PTT with WINDOWS LIVE™ onlineservices allows the user to make “quick” voice queries or commands thatresults in low latency. This enables a better user experience thantyping. Thus, voice enabling services on mobile devices according to anembodiment of the present invention facilitate PTT capability andinter-connectivity among users. The voice enabling mobile services alsoallows a user in one part of the country to talk to user(s) in anotherpart of the country over the Internet or cellular data communication,e.g., WINDOWS LIVE™ Messenger (desktop or mobile).

FIG. 1 illustrates a voice enabling system for mobile devices 100according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, mobiledevices 110, 112 are shown running voice enabling applications 120 forproviding voice enabling mobile services, such as WINDOWS LIVE™messenger, WINDOWS LIVE™ search, etc. Those skilled in the art willrecognize that voice enabling mobile services are not limited to mobiledevices 110, 112, but may also be implemented on a desktop computers130, 132. Mobile devices 110, 112 communicate with PTT server 140 usinga PTT procedure. For example, mobile device 110 may initiate apush-to-search session. Voice data is transmitted to the PTT server 140.The PTT server 140 is coupled to service server 150. Service server 150processes the voice data. In this example, the service server 150 mayretrieve location data and route the data back to the mobile device 110via PTT server 140. Service server 150 may obtain data through theInternet 160, e.g., by contacting other computers 130, 132. Once thesearch response if returned to the mobile device 110, the response maybe conveyed to the user of the mobile device 110 audibly or bydisplaying a response on a display screen of the mobile device 110.

While the service server 150 and PTT server 140 are shown as distinctentities in FIG. 1, the service server 150 may also acts as a PTT server140 or vice versa. The service server 150 and PTT server 140 may beimplemented in a cell infrastructure. Messenger extension, e.g., WINDOWSLIVE™ messenger, may also provide PTT and interwork with 2G cellsubscribers. The PTT server may also be network or RF technologyindependent.

Accordingly, voice enabling mobile services provided via mobile devices110, 112, PTT server 140 and service server 150 contribute substantialvalue to business. Further, the voice enabling mobile services provide aunique user experience to users of the mobile devices 110, 112. Forexample, using the voice enabling mobile services, WINDOWS LIVE™messenger may be used for PTT instant voice communication, which is acore feature for social communicators. WINDOWS LIVE™ messengerinterfaces or a WINDOWS LIVE™ client can be provided separately forother mobile makers. Voice enabling mobile services also would increasemobile usage by social communicators, WINDOWS LIVE™ messenger users, andother users that become accustomed to the ease of use of the voiceenabling mobile services. The voice enabling mobile services will alsoencourage more data plan sales by service providers. Moreover, becausePTT requires very low bandwidth, PTT service can be used in slow datanetworks as well. Still, 4G networks (WiMax) are primarily datanetworks, wherein even voice is data (VOIP). Implementing voice enablingmobile services according to an embodiment of the present inventionrequires the provider to play a significant role in cellularcommutations, especially where a call processing infrastructure providerwill be needed to implement the voice enabling mobile services.

Leveraging push-to-talk with options for data services on mobile devices110, 112 improves the user experience by reducing the search time,reducing the cost of performing a search query and providing servicesthat are more easily discovered by a user. For example, currently 411services only use audio and provide limited functionality. The user hasto make mental notes of listing details and is forced to listen to everyoption before a final result is achieved. Mobile browsers currently usedon mobile devices are purely textual, which can be slow, especially onnon-qwerty input devices. Because input to mobile browsers is purelytextual, the user's full attention is required to type input into thebrowser and the length of time to type is substantial.

Mobile phones 110, 112 have communications with the PTT server and,depending upon the application, the mobile phones 110, 112 communicatewith a voice enabling server. The voice services server providesadditional actions, operations, capabilities and usefulness, e.g., checkweather, check stock portfolio, check email, upload photographs, etc.The interface between mobile devices 110, 112 and PTT server140/services server 150 relies on a set protocol to provide consistentand reliable communication and functionality.

Accordingly, voice enabled PTT services enable quick and easydiscoverability of a new feature such as mobile search by leveragingestablished user behaviors around PTT service. User adoption and usagemay be increased by improving the mobile search user experience. Forsearching, voice enabled push-to-search device delivers instantgratification to the user via the voice input and GPS locationdetection. Thus, the user is allowed to audibly perform functions, suchas search, get directions and navigate to a listing thereby increasingend-user efficiency.

FIG. 2 illustrates a mobile device 200 according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. Some of the advantages of voice enabled PTT servicesinclude provisioning of functions not previously available and makingservice features easily discoverable. However, to implementpush-to-search functions, for example, both hardware and softwaresupport must be provided. According to an embodiment of the presentinvention, the user interface on the mobile device 200 is implemented asa button 210 that, when pushed, presents the user with a menu. The menumay be presented on display screen 240 as well as communicated audiblyto the user through speakers 242. Multiple services may be implemented.The dedicated PTT services button 210 provides quick access for enablingthe user to perform, for example, a search query using only verbalinput. To initiate the push-to-search, the user engages the PTT servicebutton 210 and speaks a search request into the microphone 260 of themobile device 200. The mobile device 200 transmits the search request toa PTT server/service server (as shown in FIG. 1). Preferably, the signaltransmitted to the PTT server from the mobile device 200 is digital. Aservices server then selects the correct service for the user. The PTTservices on the mobile phone 200 may be implemented as plug-in elements,but must use a predetermined protocol to enable proper communicationwith the appropriate server. PTT services may also acquire GPS signals270 from a GPS satellite 272 for GPS services. Nevertheless, the PTTservices are independent of any particular GPS technology. Moreover, themobile device 200 may be configured to allow simultaneous voice and datause.

While a dedicated voice enabled PTT services may be initiated by adedicated button 210, those skilled in the art will recognize that theinitiation of voice enabled PTT services may take the form of otherimplementations, such as a virtual button displayed on a touch sensitivescreen or another existing key. The function of the button 210 may beconfigured to recognize a long key press that allows the user toimmediately begin uttering a query and automatically receiving theuser's GPS coordinates. The function of the button 210 may also beconfigured to recognize a short key press that allows the user to launchservices without triggering a determination of the users GPS location.Speech components may be provided by an embedded voice engine to providedevice side voice recognition that allows menu options to be voiceenabled and identified quickly on the mobile device side.

After initiating the user interface, such as by pushing a button 210,the user provides an audible signal to the microphone 260 of the mobilephone 200 and the correct service is selected for the user. The servicesmay be implemented as plug-in elements. Nevertheless, the predeterminedprotocol is used to enable proper communication with the appropriateserver.

FIG. 3 illustrates a first scenario of a local search on a mobile device300 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, auser is travelling through a city. The user decides to stop for lunch.Because time is of essence to the user, the user may want to locate aparticular type or brand of restaurant that is closest to the user'scurrent location. Alternatively, the user may simple desire to findrestaurants within a certain radius of the user's current location.

To perform the push-to-search, the user engages the PTT service button310. The user may be prompted with a tone 312 to begin dictation of thesearch request. While the utterance is being recorded, a GPS module 314on the mobile device 300 is triggered to calculate the geographiclocation in the background. As recording is completed, the audible data,e.g., a verbal search request 350, is routed to a PTT server. At the PTTserver, the search request 350 may be converted to text.

In the meantime as soon as the geographic location of the user isdetermined, the GPS coordinates 352 are also routed to a PTT server. Ifthe PTT server also implements services server functionality, a searchis performed immediately against the search request 350 and the GPSlocation coordinates 352 provided by the mobile device 300 of the user.If the services server is a separate entity, the search request 350 andthe GPS location coordinates 352 provided by the mobile device 300 ofthe user are routed to a services server. In any event, identified data,e.g., search results 370, are sent back to the mobile device 300 of theuser. An application 372 may be invoked on the mobile device 300 and theresults presented on the display screen 340. The search results 370 maybe sorted according to a predetermined algorithm or according touser-defined parameters. The search results may be played back to theuser through the speakers 342, thereby providing the user instantresults on the user's voice activated query.

FIG. 4 illustrates selection of search results and directions on amobile device 400 according to an embodiment of the present invention.The mobile device 400 shown in FIG. 4 does not differ materially fromthe mobile device 300 shown in FIG. 3. However, with regards to FIG. 4,the user confirms the priority selection, i.e., in this example the topmost result 480 is the priority selection. The user presses the PTTservices select button 410 while the listing details of the restaurantlisting and address are played back to the user through the speakers442. The PTT services select button 410 may be context sensitive so thata short press can be used as a second softkey action when in searchapplication. The user may be presented with other options that may bechosen relevant to the selected listing. For example, the address andphone number of the priority search result 480 may be played backverbally 486 to the user via audio clips. In addition the variousoptions applicable for the listing in the order for relevance may beplayed back to the user.

Then, the user may select a “Directions to here” option by holding downthe PTT services select button 410 and speaking a command, e.g., “One”or “Directions to here”. The GPS location coordinates of the mobiledevice 400 is refreshed once more and sent back to the services server.Using these current location coordinates 482 as a starting location,directions are calculated to the end location 480, i.e., the chosenrestaurant. After the directions have been calculated, the directionsand maps are sent back to the mobile device.

Alternatively, the user may subscribe to premium services that allowturn-by-turn directions. Thus, if the user has subscribed to the premiumversion of the application, the PTT services select button 410 may beused to trigger the GPS to start tracking the mobile device and commandthe application to “start navigation” on the route. As the user movesalong the route, directions may thus be played back to the user viaspeakers 442.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for providing options for data services usingpush-to-talk (PTT) 500 according to an embodiment of the presentinvention. A signal for initiating a voice enabled service session isreceived 510. A prompt is communicated to a user to begin speaking toprovide voice data for processing of a spoken voice service request 520.Voice data from a user is recorded, wherein the voice data includes aspoken voice service request 530. The recorded voice data is transmittedto a service server for processing the voice data to satisfy the spokenvoice service request 540.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart of a process for providing options for dataservices in a push-to-talk (PTT) system 600 according to an embodimentof the present invention. A signal from a mobile phone is receivedrequesting a session with a PTT server 610. A signal is sent from thePTT server to the mobile phone indicating consent to the session for themobile phone 620. Voice data from the mobile phone is received at thePTT server including a voice enabled service request 630. The voice datais transformed to text data 640. The text data is processed to identifyservice request data for satisfying the voice enabled service request650. The identified service request data is transmitted to the mobilephone 660.

The systems and components described above can be implemented as part ofnetworked, distributed, or other computer-implemented environment. Thesystems and components can communicate via a wired, wireless, and/or acombination of communication networks. A number of client computingdevices, including desktop computers, laptops, handhelds, or other smartdevices can interact with and/or be included as part of the system. Inalternative embodiments, the various components can be combined and/orconfigured according to a desired implementation. Other embodiments andconfigurations are available.

Referring now to FIG. 7, the following discussion is intended to providea brief, general description of a suitable computing environment inwhich embodiments of the invention may be implemented. While theinvention will be described in the general context of program modulesthat execute in conjunction with program modules that run on anoperating system on a personal computer, those skilled in the art willrecognize that the invention may also be implemented in combination withother types of computer systems and program modules.

Generally, program modules include routines, programs, components, datastructures, and other types of structures that perform particular tasksor implement particular abstract data types. Moreover, those skilled inthe art will appreciate that the invention may be practiced with othercomputer system configurations, including hand-held devices,multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumerelectronics, minicomputers, mainframe computers, and the like. Theinvention may also be practiced in distributed computing environmentswhere tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linkedthrough a communications network. In a distributed computingenvironment, program modules may be located in both local and remotememory storage devices.

FIG. 7 illustrates an operating environment for embodiments of theinvention. As shown in FIG. 7, computer 700 comprises a general-purposedesktop, laptop, handheld, or other type of computer capable ofexecuting one or more application programs. The computer 700 includes atleast one central processing unit 708 (“CPU”), a system memory 712,including a random access memory 718 (“RAM”) and a read-only memory(“ROM”) 720, and a system bus 710 that couples the memory to the CPU708. A basic input/output system containing the basic routines that helpto transfer information between elements within the computer, such asduring startup, is stored in the ROM 720. The computer 700 furtherincludes a device 714 for storing an operating system 732, applicationprograms, and other program modules.

Device 714 is connected to the CPU 708 through a controller (not shown)connected to the bus 710. Device 714 and its associatedcomputer-readable media provide non-volatile storage for the computer700. The description of computer-readable media contained herein mayrefer to a storage device, such as a hard disk or CD-ROM drive, or anyavailable media that can be accessed or utilized by the computer 700.

By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable media maycomprise computer storage media and communication media. Computerstorage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable andnon-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storageof information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures,program modules or other data. Computer storage media includes, but isnot limited to, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other solidstate memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (“DVD”), orother optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which canbe used to store the desired information and which can be accessed bythe computer 700.

According to various embodiments of the invention, the computer 700 mayoperate in a networked environment using logical connections to remotecomputers through a network 704, such as a local network, the Internet,etc. for example. The computer 700 may connect to the network 4 througha network interface unit 716 connected to the bus 710. It should beappreciated that the network interface unit 716 may also be utilized toconnect to other types of networks and remote computing systems. Thecomputer 700 may also include an input/output controller 722 forreceiving and processing input from a number of other devices, includinga keyboard, mouse, etc. (not shown). Similarly, an input/outputcontroller 722 may provide output to a display screen, a printer, orother type of output device.

As mentioned briefly above, a number of program modules and data filesmay be stored in device 714 and RAM 718 of the computer 700, includingan operating system 732 suitable for controlling the operation of anetworked personal computer, such as the WINDOWS® operating systems fromMICROSOFT CORPORATION of Redmond, Wash. Device 714 and RAM 718 may alsostore one or more program modules. In particular, device 714 and the RAM718 may store client application programs 740 and other softwareapplications 742. A computer 700, as illustrated in FIG. 7, may beconfigured to execute instructions that perform the operations ofembodiments of the present invention and may be implemented in at leastone of mobile devices 110, 112, PTT server 140 and services server 150as shown in FIG. 1.

It should also be appreciated that various embodiments of the presentinvention can be implemented (1) as a sequence of computer implementedacts or program modules running on a computing system and/or (2) asinterconnected machine logic circuits or circuit modules within thecomputing system. The implementation is a matter of choice dependent onthe performance requirements of the computing system implementing theinvention. Accordingly, logical operations including related algorithmscan be referred to variously as operations, structural devices, acts ormodules. It will be recognized by one skilled in the art that theseoperations, structural devices, acts and modules may be implemented insoftware, firmware, special purpose digital logic, and any combinationthereof without deviating from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention as recited within the claims set forth herein.

Although the invention has been described in connection with variousembodiments, those of ordinary skill in the art will understand thatmany modifications can be made thereto within the scope of the claimsthat follow. Accordingly, it is not intended that the scope of theinvention in any way be limited by the above description, but instead bedetermined entirely by reference to the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for providing voice services on a mobilephone comprising: receiving a signal from the mobile phone requesting anPTT application on the mobile phone; sending the signal from the PTTapplication indicating consent to a voice service session; receiving, atthe PTT application, voice data from the mobile phone including a voiceenabled service request; transforming the voice data to text data; andprocessing the text data to identify service request data for satisfyingthe voice enabled service request.
 2. The method of claim 1 furthercomprising receiving the identified service request data at the mobilephone and presenting the identified service request data to a user ofthe mobile phone.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the presenting theidentified service request data to the user further comprises presentingan audible response to the user.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein thepresenting the audible response to the user further comprises presentinga search result.
 5. The method of claim 3, wherein the presenting theaudible response to the user further comprises presenting a menu forallowing the user to verbally select one of a plurality menu items basedon the identified service request data.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein the receiving the signal from the mobile phone requesting asession with the PTT application further comprises receiving the signalfrom the mobile phone triggered by a dedicated push-to-talk servicebutton of the mobile phone.
 7. A method for providing voice services ona mobile device by: providing an application for enabling voice serviceson the mobile device; receiving a signal for initiating a voice enabledservice session; communicating a prompt to receive a service request;recording voice data comprising the service request; transforming thevoice data to text data; and processing, at the application on themobile device, the text data to determine a response to the servicerequest.
 8. The method of claim 7 further comprising presenting theresponse relating to the processing of the text data by the application.9. The method of claim 8, wherein presenting the response furthercomprises presenting an audible response.
 10. The method of claim 9,wherein the presenting the audible response further comprises presentinga search result.
 11. The method of claim 9, wherein the presenting theaudible response further comprises presenting a menu for verballyselecting one of a plurality menu items based on the response.
 12. Amobile device comprising: a microphone to receive voice data from auser; a display to display visual information to a user; a memory forstoring data; and a processor, coupled to the button, display and thememory, the processor being configured to: provide an application forenabling voice services on the mobile device; receive a signal forinitiate a voice enabled service session; communicate a prompt toreceive a service request; record voice data comprising the servicerequest; transforming the voice data to text data; and process the textdata to determine a response to the service request.
 13. The mobiledevice of claim 12, further comprising a button to initiate the voiceenabled service session.
 14. The mobile device of claim 13, wherein thedisplay is a touch sensitive screen having the button displayed thereon.15. The mobile device of claim 12, wherein the processor is furtherconfigured to: present the response to the service request via thedisplay.
 16. The mobile device of claim 12, further comprising aspeaker.
 17. The mobile device of claim 16, wherein the processor isfurther configured to: present the response to the service request tothe user by an audible response via the speaker.
 18. The mobile deviceof claim 17, wherein the audible response comprises a menu for verballyselecting one of a plurality menu items.
 19. The mobile device of claim16, wherein the processor is further configured to: present the responseto the service request to the user visually on the display and audiblyvia the speaker.
 20. A mobile device comprising: a microphone to receivevoice data from a user; a display to display visual information to auser; a memory for storing data; and a processor, coupled to the button,display and the memory, the processor being configured to: provide anapplication for enabling voice services on the mobile device; receive asignal for initiate a voice enabled service session; communicate aprompt to receive a service request; record voice data comprising theservice request; transforming the voice data to text data; process thetext data to determine a response to the service request; and presentthe response to the service request via a second application on themobile device.